Rocco's Cafe

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Address:
1131 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Neighborhood:
SOMA

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Cuisine:
Italian

Price: $30 and under

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Rocco's Cafe Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://www.RoccosCafe.com
Phone: (415) 554-0522
Hours of Operation: Breakfast:
Monday - Friday: 7:00am - 11:30am
Saturday - Sunday: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Lunch:
Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 3:00pm
Saturday - Sunday: 11:00am - 4:00pm

Dinner:
Tuesday - Saturday: 4:00pm - 10:00pm

Brunch:
Saturday - Sunday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Italian, American
Executive Chef: Chef Don
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Catering: Whether it's a Birthday, Anniversary, Wedding, or other Special Occasion, let Rocco's Catering do all the work! And remember, you also have these options:
• Host your party here at Rocco's Café - on Sunday or Monday nights you can have Rocco's all to yourselves! (Minimum number of people 30, Maximum 50)
• We prepare the food - you pick up or we deliver
• We prepare the food - we deliver, set up, and provide service staff
Private Party Facilities: Host your party here at Rocco's Café! On Sunday or Monday nights you can have Rocco's all to yourselves! (Minimum number of people 30, Maximum 50)
Private Party Contact: Chef Don (415) 554-0522
Special Events & Promotions: Rocco's Cafe was recently featured on Food Network Channel's popular TV Show "Diners, Drive-ins & Dives". The show aired on June 15th, 2009 and repeats often.

Getting there

Cross Street: between 7th & 8th Sts.
Public Transit: Three blocks south from Civic Center BART station and Muni Station.

#19 Muni Bus stops at 7th and Folsom inbound and 8th and Folsom outbound.

#12 Muni Bus stops at 7th and Folsom

#27 Muni Bus stops at 7th and Harrison (one block south)
Parking: Street Parking
Parking Details: Ample parking available on Folsom Street between 7th and 8th.

A word from Rocco's Cafe

Rocco's Café on Folsom Street is a neighborhood institution offering authentic, home-style Italian food with a taste of tradition. We have a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu with brunch specials served all day Saturday and Sunday. Experience the excitement of an open kitchen. Rocco's is great… for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner. Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Diner Reviews

"Rocco's is my very favorite restaurant. I go here every chance I can. Whenever I run into someone visiting the city, even if I don't know them, I suggest they try Rocco's. Their Chicken Picatta is to die for."
Dined on 7/1/2014
"It use to be excellent, but this time the food was tasteless."
Dined on 6/26/2014
"I have taken friends to Rocco's several times and have always had a delicious and filling meal. Chicken, fish, and pastas and their pairings are all excellent! It's a treat to sit at the bar and watch the chef and his assistants prepare the meals. I highly recommend this neighborhood gem."
Dined on 6/26/2014
"After seeing this diner featured in Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, I had quite lofty expectations and I was definitely not disappointed! The decor had my eyes wandering the entire restaurant and the food was superb. I watched as my linguine with clams and white cream sauce was prepared and it was like watching magic happen in front of my eyes. I loved being able to watch the food being prepared. The entire experience was amazing. I wish I could go back to SF just to eat there again!"
Dined on 6/23/2014
"The setting and the service were really great but the food was just okay. I had the sausage penne pasta which was supposed to be spicy, but was a bit bland overall. I tasted my husband's gnocchi which was also just kind of blah. My friend ordered the pepperoni pizza (served on wednesdays) which looked really yummy but I didn't taste it unfortunately."
Dined on 5/21/2014
"Exceptional service, interesting menu, takes pub grub to new heights. A delightful dining experience"
Dined on 5/14/2014
"The food was not so good. Bread rather dry, dipping oil terrible taste, eggplant parmesan was the worst I have ever had and the spaghetti was just ok. Not likely to ever return!"
Dined on 5/9/2014
"I was there on a business dinner. Can't say enough nice things for this restaurant. Good traditional Italian food, very good portions (not over kill), deliciousssss! Will go back again anytime."
Dined on 4/30/2014
"We were going to Slims for a show and wanted to try a restaurant south of Market. Rocco's is like going back in time, it reminded my wife and I of childhood experiences in North Beach. The food was very good and we were assured there were not going to be vampires around that night because we both enjoyed allot of garlic!! We are going back!!"
Dined on 4/18/2014
"This is a great neighborhood Italian restaurant. It's very small, but very personable with pictures decorating all the walls. You can see the cooks preparing each meal fresh to order, and you can taste the freshness and food quality in each meal. I ordered the eggplant parmesan and my wife got shrimp linguine. It was by far the best meal we had in San Fran, and we had a lot of good meals. Our hotel was not familiar with the restaurant, but some locals we trusted highly recommended it to us and we are glad we tried it out. I highly recommend Rocco's Cafe to anyone wanting a great meal in a casual, small setting."
Dined on 4/12/2014
"I had dinner with my husband and a friend and everyone enjoyed their food and service. The only draw back was the noise level and the smells from the open kitchen but otherwise a great place to eat"
Dined on 4/8/2014
"The food was excellent, it was served hot to our table. Every dish tasted fresh."
Dined on 4/5/2014
"Great place to watch your food made right in front of you, if you choose to sit at the counter. Food quality is amazing!"
Dined on 4/5/2014
"If you're looking for a quaint and quiet eatery to slowly sip and enjoy the ambiance, you're at the wrong joint. This cafe is a wonderful mix of making new friends - translated as elbow-to-elbow seating with complete strangers - yelling over the cacophony to place your order, and scents of deliciousness the likes of which are beyond mere words. The service is joyous and sincere. The attention paid by everyone from "Double D" to the bussers is only surpassed by the amazing food. The Chicken Marsala? I have never had better. Deep, rich, slightly tangy and wonderfully satisfying, be sure to use the crusty heels of your bread to get every bite."
Dined on 3/22/2014
"Great food .Don is the owner great chef and a nice guy"
Dined on 3/22/2014
"Made a reservation for 4 people, we arrived about 15 minutes ahead of our two friends who were joining us. There was an open table available and they weren't that busy, but we were left standing until about 5 minutes AFTER our friends arrived. That was kind of odd. Service was good except for the fact that no pre-meal bread was served until out actual meal came. Not a big deal, they just seemed to be having a bit of an off night service wise. Other than that, the food was delish as always. I had eggplant parm, my husband chicken parm (they don't have veal here, not sure why??) and our friends had chicken picatta and a yummy pasta dish with lots of scrumptious prawns. I always enjoy eating at Rocco's and look forward to our next visit."
Dined on 3/14/2014
"We had a nice family weeknight dinner - solid food and attentive service."
Dined on 3/19/2014
"all of the people I take here love Rocco's... They have tried all sorts of things from the Polenta to the Chicken Pasta Specials.... But I just cannot go here and NOT get the Sauteed Chicken Parmesan. The chicken is perfectly done, the sauce is amazing and they put the perfect amount of cheese on top. So good. I have never tasted anything like it! LOVE ROCCO'S - the only thing better than the food is the fabulous staff. Friendly, smiling and attentive - they all very much seem to love what they do and what they put in front of you!"
Dined on 3/10/2014
"Enjoyed the casual atmosphere and the friendly service. The food was plentiful and what we expected Italian food should be."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"Had visited Roccos before. Great service, food quality excellent with innovative chef presenting items with gusto. Our cioppinno was rich, full of crab, fish, mussels, spicy yet totally comfortable. Don, the owner circulates with small talk and contributes to the family/neighborhood feeling. Tight little spaces but everyone ends up in conversation about the food anyway. Price was higher than a visit one year earlier. 40 bucks for a bowl of cioppinno is not moderately priced in a restaurant of this bar/cafe status. I would still go back as the food was great! Reservations are accepted, a bonus for our group. Other restaurants are dropping the reservation option. Increasing a wait that might be extensive."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"I live in the neighborhood and Rocco's is my go to place - breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. The menu has solutions for any type of hunger. Watching the cooks dish out is like being at cooking school - you can watch what they are making, almost from scratch. The service staff are fantastic - they ensure you are well taken care of, and they are friendly. Rocco's has everything going - try it out."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"I love this restaurant. Not only is the food good but the service is the best I have ever received anywhere. Before our dinner, we each ordered the Rocco's salad with crumbled blue cheese and it was only $5.50. It was large and in any other restaurant, this type and size salad would have been $10-$12."
Dined on 2/28/2014
"Rocco's is my favorite Italian restaurant in San Francisco. The same waitstaff has worked there for years, which makes me especially happy because I believe that's proof the owner treats his employees well. And the service is always great--everyone is friendly, and I've never waited more than 10 minutes for a meal. As for the food...well, I always order the same dish, chicken picatta. Because it's buttery and lemony and a little salty from the capers. And it's my favorite Italian dish. Just thinking about Rocco's chicken picatta makes my mouth water, and I could eat it every night."
Dined on 2/28/2014
"A great funky neighborhood treasure trove of excellent food and true SF memorabilia. Every square inch of wall space is covered with old family pics, old celebrities photos, local sports other San Francisco pictures. The food was superb and the quantities were more that generous. The house speciality chicken marsala was the best i've ever had."
Dined on 2/21/2014
"I love taking people to Rocco's Cafe! As I tell the wonderful waitresses and wait staff - they are fabulous. And the food is always perfect. I always get the Sauteed Chicken Parmesan becuase it is FABULOUS. So I have to rely on my friends to tell me that everything else is fabulous as well. I love Rocco's!"
Dined on 2/19/2014
"Our reservation was at 8:30p & we didn't get served dinner until 10p. While waiting we noticed the owner was sitting outside drinking a beer. Would have appreciated him helping speed things up in the kitchen instead."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Chef Don is the best. We keep returning to this restaurant whenever we want to meet with friends."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Rocco's took and lived up to reservations, which is kind of amazing in such a small place. I was met at the door by the owner who insisted upon going outside to escort in the rest of my party. Seating was more like being in a family kitchen than a resturant, which I liked. Service was fast without seeming hurried. The menu was basic Italian fare and very tastey. Although the place was very busy, there did not seem to be any pressure to get us out the door once we were finished eating."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"Typical old SF neighborhood style. Chicken Marsala as good as expected."
Dined on 2/17/2014
"Rocco's was busy as it was Valentines Day and the service was quick. The food was ok, not great but not bad either."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"The folks at Rocco's care about great food and great service. It is part East Coast diner and part West Coast foodie and it pulls off the combination perfectly. A great place that I always enjoy."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"This was our fourth time here and having previously gone for dinner and this time for brunch, Rocco's certainly did not disappoint! We always get the Chicken Marsala, which is a perfectly balanced and flavorful dish. We also got the french toast, which was a wonderful blend of sweet custard, maple syrup and powdered sugar, savory cinnamon and butter, and a crispy crust! Definitely a nice mid-week treat."
Dined on 2/12/2014
"I would recommend this service and restaurant to anyone that loves great food."
Dined on 2/7/2014
"Selected Rocco's for a dinner out with friends, based on the recommendations of Guy Fieri ("Diners, Drive-ins and Dives") and a former SF policeman! Had a great table in the window. Service was terrific - helpful but not hovering - and they really seemed to want to share their food with us. We had the sole and the chicken marsala; everything was fresh and light, very tasty. Salad or soup comes with the entrees, as well as pasta or veggies, making the prices even more reasonable. We tried the blackberry pie for dessert, which came with a big scoop of ice cream. All in all, a very relaxing and satisfying evening. We'll be back, maybe for breakfast next time!"
Dined on 2/7/2014
"Great neighborhood find. Hearty meals, good service, great choice."
Dined on 1/2/2014
"Can't say enough great things about the food. Just WOW! Our party had the Polenta Sticks, Double D's Chicken "A Lotta Piccatta", Prawns Gamberoni and the special of the evening which was a chicken penne pesto. I couldn't decide which was my favorite. Each dish was super flavorful. The staff was friendly. They remembered it was my cousin's birthday from the note I left when making my reservation with OpenTable. The wine and the blackberry pie were also amazing! Can't wait to come back and try the other dishes!"
Dined on 1/31/2014
"My wife and I are always looking for new places to eat. On of our favorites is Italian restaurants. We saw Rocco's on an episode of mystery diners so we thought we would try it. The food was excellent. I had meat, spinach and cheese ravioli's with meatballs. My wife had the eggplant parmesan. Both meals were very flavorful. I am Sicilian and when we have dinner there I'd enough food for seconds, the servings were not as plentiful as I'd like for the money, but it is San Francisco and I am sure the rent isn't cheap. I'd definitely go back to try other items in the menu. And we even met Don (the owner) and he took a picture with us..."
Dined on 1/28/2014
"food is very good.. not for those of us on strict diets. Very small place therefore it hard to have a conversation when there is someone less than foot away from you seeming to have the most interesting conversation ever.. Also I booked a 1pm reservation however I didn't get seated until about 1pm not sure what's going on with that but it's worth the wait I love their linguini and laws in white sauce it is to die for!"
Dined on 1/10/2014
"Tasty and hardy helpings of fresh local food. Friendly staff and a fun spot."
Dined on 1/11/2014
"I haven't been more disappointed by prior reviews then during this experience. I honestly can't believe that the past reviews are actually about this restaurant. The staff were friendly, service was average and it definitely feels like a joint that has been around for many decades. However the food was HORRIBLE. I had the chicken and vegetables but my chicken wasn't just grilled, it was charred ! My guest tried to order one of the dishes on the menu only to be told, "actually almost no one orders that so we don't have the ingredients to make it", which says to me 'time to update your menu'! It is rare I ever say this, but honestly I couldn't recommend this restaurant to anyone."
Dined on 1/10/2014

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Rocco's Cafe Details

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